Peer Review

What is a scientific review?

It is a review of the study protocol by colleagues either in the same field as the study, or with the relevant experience, but not directly involved in it, chosen by the study sponsor, i.e. Weston Area Health Trust. The criteria assessed in a peer review are as follows:

• Quality of the proposal - is research in this area needed, how important are the questions that are being addressed, is the research likely to lead to significant new understanding, is the proposal an original idea, does the proposal have the potential to benefit treatment and care within the NHS, have all potential risks been identified, are the potential risks acceptable considering the potential benefits and new understanding.
• Study design - does the study have a clear protocol, does the proposal clearly state the research question, is the proposed methodology an appropriate and efficient way of conducting the study, is it practical and appropriate for the study to be conducted within the proposed setting, does the proposal include appropriate study management plans, is the proposed sample size suitable to answer the research question.
• Application - is the applicant suitably qualified, does the applicant have a proven track record in the field, how well does the proposal fit with other relevant research conducted by this investigator/research group.
• Dissemination - is the proposed study likely to produce results which others will be interested in taking up.
• Has the applicant made appropriate plans for disseminating the results of the study?

When does a scientific review take place?

Scientific review is part of the process of applying to WAHT for sponsorship for your study. Scientific review should be carried out by at least two individuals independent of the project, and evidence of the review will be required prior to the Trust agreeing to accept the role of sponsor. You can suggest two such individuals or the Research & Development Dept. can nominate on your behalf; in either case the Research & Development Dept. will arrange for the scientific review of your protocol. Where a potential funding body will be conducting an independent scientific review, additional review will not be required; however, sponsorship will be dependent on funding being awarded. Further information on sponsorship is available on  Research Guidance sheet 2a.

How can I prepare my protocol for a scientific review in order to gain WAHT sponsorship?

The Research & Development Dept. has prepared a number of information sheets that can help you write your study protocol. They can be found in the information and guidance section of this site. Guidance Sheets 3a and 3b provide suggested standard wording in order to help you write specific areas of your protocol, i.e. details of sponsor, Chief investigator and research team contact details, study medication (if appropriate), safety reporting, monitoring and audit, data protection, storage of records, indemnity, Ethics and R&D approvals, and Research Governance Statement.